Company Name:  Design Construction Concepts, Ltd. Community: Highland Park Description of Home:  This house was originally built in the early 20’s and was partially remodeled for the homeowner several years ago. DCC was contracted for Phase II of the project designed to not only update the house but also, improve the overall design and flow. The scope of work was to include the remodeling of two children’s bedrooms and bathrooms, a front entry addition, window replacement throughout, the addition of French doors at the living room, the expansion of the kitchen into the existing breakfast room, and redefinition of the dining room. In addition, the desire was to remove the wood siding on the front of the house and carry the E.I.F.S. work throughout the exterior. As DCC developed a relationship with both the owner and renowned architect Kathryn Quinn and Associates, we grew to understand what was of value to both. Appropriate suggestions were made and ultimately modifications to the scope of the project. In lieu of the front entry addition, a canopy was created at the existing entry to provide shelter from the elements. The major interior areas of concentration were the two bedrooms and bathrooms. The daughter’s bedroom was adjacent to a bathroom that was accessed only from the second floor hallway. The bedroom occupied by their son had a small bathroom that was cramped and very dated. In addition, his bedroom contained a doorway that accessed a roof deck on a very old dilapidated porch.   The bedrooms were going to be switched between the children. For the son’s new bedroom, the bathroom was redesigned to create a large shower, linen closet, vanity and toilet area. The entrance from the hallway was closed off and a new entrance was created solely to the bedroom. A built-in bed was created along with a custom wardrobe for his clothes. In the daughter’s new bedroom, the entrance to the deck was closed off. The bathroom was reconfigured with a tub/shower, separate vanity area, and entrances to two adjacent bedrooms added. Crown moldings and custom lighting was added in both bedrooms. The final plan was to put some finishing touches to the kitchen, breakfast and dining rooms. The center unit of three pantries was replaced with a double oven and warming drawer below. Two pairs of doors flanking the new ovens were replaced, a wine rack was replaced with a second dishwasher. A “dry bar” was created on the east wall of the breakfast room to include wine storage racks, a concealed icemaker and wine refrigerator. Finally, ceiling beams added in the dining room separate the space and create a formal look.

Company Name:  Insignia Kitchen & Bath Design Group, Ltd. Community: North Barrington Description of Home:  This remodeling project was for an existing 100-year-old farm house and it was all about the detail for these discriminating clients. The owners had definite ideas on the cabinet style, color, countertop materials, flooring, fixtures and appliances to be used. They wanted a kitchen that fit in with the original home’s style and period, plus they had a clear vision of what the space would look and feel like, down to the finished paint surface on the walls. One of the challenges that were encountered was the homeowners’ desire to expand the size of the kitchen by removing a load bearing wall between the existing kitchen and breakfast room. The existing wood ceiling in the kitchen and dining room were removed, a micro lam beam was recessed into the existing ceiling to carry the weight of the missing wall, and the ceiling was leveled and covered with drywall. New recessed can lighting was installed to improve the lighting of the unified space that had now been created. A ventless fireplace gives the room charm, as well as an additional source of heat. A flat screen TV was recessed into the wall above the fireplace and framed to look like a picture on the wall. All cabinetry, including the window seat, (complete with a swing arm reading lamp) were worked around the home’s original windows to maintain the exterior architecture of the home. The new Grabill white painted inset cabinetry matches the same style and finish as the existing butler pantry cabinetry that was left intact. The Merit latch hardware and bin pulls on the cabinet doors and drawers were retrofit on to the existing butler pantry cabinets as well as being added to the new cabinets. The 2” thick black walnut Grabill island top ties into the rich oak floors while the honed white Statuary marble for the perimeter counter tops is a throw back to turn of the century surfacing materials. Custom wood moldings and doors were fabricated to duplicate the existing molding and doors found throughout the original farm house. While the Wolf cooking equipment and Sub Zero refrigerator are obvious 21st century additions, the Fisher Paykel dish drawers to the left of the sink seamlessly disappear into the cabinetry. The Herbeau fireclay apron front farmhouse sink and Rohl bridge faucet both add to the charm and warmth of this new show piece kitchen that the proud owners now have.

Company Name:  McNulty Design Group Inc. Community: Lake Forest Description of Home:  This historic home is a combination of Colonial architecture with interiors adorned in Elizabethan elegance and American traditional charm. The intricate details throughout the home demanded that the kitchen compliment them with the tranquility of a monochromatic color scheme. Award winning Certified Kitchen De-signer, David McNulty, was challenged by the newlyweds to create a kitchen they would adore as much as their American cultured home. The designer achieved balance and harmony by using soft feminine curvature in the floor plan, fine carved crown moldings, and delicate crystal rose knobs. Unparalleled elegance was achieved with Brazilian walnut parquet flooring fabricated in a Versailles pattern. The color of the granite was selected to meld with the cabinets and handmade backsplash tiles are in a monochromatic color that blends it all together. The detailed tile design pattern above the range was carefully crafted to add a sense of depth, richness, and individual personality to the focal point of the room. The large unencumbered hood was custom designed by the designer and hand-carved per detailed specifications. Lighting the kitchen from 11 foot ceilings was no problem with strategically placed recessed halogen housings. Specific attention was addressed to the island using low voltage 50 watt halogen spots. Xenon undercabinet lighting also illuminates counter surfaces brightly. The adjacent butler’s pantry was intended not only to be a safe haven for 30 place settings of antique dishware and goblets, but to provide an expansive preparation space for caterers who fully utilize it during cocktail and dinner parties. It also serves the homeowner well with a large single bowl sink used for her horticultural hobby. “Cupid” tiles were added to the backsplash area as a reminder to the couple of their unconditional love for each other, another form of personalized detail. The end result is a kitchen that the homeowners can cook gourmet meals in throughout their retirement, host a variety of entertainment functions, and assure easy daily food preparation and cleanup. The updated home guarantees an historic landmark qualified by the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society.

Company Name:  Orren Pickell Remodeling Group Community: Northfield Description of Home:  At the Northfield residence remodeled by Orren Pickell Designers and Builders, the homeowners desired an expanded living space to incorporate a new second floor under the existing roof of the home. Their goal was accomplished by adding several dormers on the front and rear elevations of the house that allowed not only the extra space required for the expansion, but also added to the exterior details. New columns and other trim details provided much needed character to the house facade. The front entry became the new focal point with a double gable detail, while the rear elevation boasted several new gables attached by copper shed roof dormers. Three bedrooms, two full baths, a loft space, play room, and laundry room were added to the second floor to serve as the children’s living space along with an office for one of the homeowner’s businesses. On the first floor, a revamped family room opens to the existing galley kitchen, which was expanded to include a butler’s pantry, preparation island, and built up crown throughout. The foyer, dining, and living room were enhanced by adding tray ceilings. The mudroom and rear stair area were adjusted to accommodate the busy family, and the other side of the house was transformed into a haven for the parents. A spacious den and luxurious master bath and suite, with all the desired amenities and breathtaking views of the property, gives the adults a place of refuge within their new and improved home.

Company Name:  Pollard Construction Company, Inc. Community: Highland Park Description of Home:  When the owners purchased their country French styled home five years ago they were surprised to learn it came with a set of plans for remodeling. Unfortunately, the plans did not account for foundation and other structural work that would be required for such an ambitious undertaking. Concerned about maintaining their house in the traditional French style, the owners contacted Pollard Construction Company, Inc., who had successfully completed a previous project for friends in nearby Glencoe, Illinois. Discarding the old plans, Mike Pollard along with his architect, Gary Steiner, outlined a scope of work to give the homeowner what they really wanted. A larger foyer with three closets, a new laundry room and generously sized two car garage were a good start. The primary focus of this project however was a new master bedroom and master bath with a large walk in closet. Adding a private entertainment area with a flat screen television and wet bar adjacent to the master bedroom were a genuine bonus. The challenges in matching materials in a sixty year old house are endless. Having completed numerous projects together over the past thirty years, Mike & Gary know the “devil is in the details” and how important it is to choose the right suppliers and manufacturers. “This is a very traditional styled house” states Mike Pollard. “We knew right from the start we’d be using Kohler Products along with Marvin Windows and Doors. Our client chose the quartz counter tops from Cambria. She has excellent taste!” Undergoing other renovation work and additions prior to the current owner’s endeavors always leaves one wondering, “What’s next?” Perhaps this is not the last time you see this country French home in Remodel Chicagoland!

Company Name:  Remodel One, Inc. Community: Bartlett Description of Home:  This spectacular kitchen and family room remodel is not the only reason to visit this entry. Michelle, the homeowner, has done a spectacular job decorating her entire house. She has a flair for the dramatic and has projected herself in the design work for the kitchen and family room. Michelle has been my State Farm agent for years, and when she asked me to remodel her kitchen I was delighted. Michelle was on a mission and wasted no time making the necessary choices and selections. When the suggestion was made by a mutual friend to expand the opening between the kitchen and family room Michelle loved the idea. In the family room over the fireplace is a basket weave brick design that became totally visible by enlarging the opening. Michelle eventually used this design as an accent in the back splash tile over the stove. Another unique feature is the large Marvin spring line picture window over the sink that was built out of cherry wood and stained to match the cabinets. The new commercial grade DCS oven and range top, Fisher & Paykel dishwasher, Sharp under-counter microwave and Sub Zero Refrigerator combine to make this kitchen the envy of anyone who loves to cook. This is a must stop on everyone’s tour list and will not disappoint you. We look forward to seeing you there.

Company Name:  Sevvonco, Inc. Community: Barrington Description of Home:  This client had a few, very important requests. They have children and are very busy. The need was great for an area for the kids to remove shoes, boots, coats and backpacks. They also didn’t have space for relaxation on the upstairs bedroom level. So, a bedroom was converted into a sitting room/computer room/loft area to address that need. Sevvonco built a comfortable master suite with a plasma screen with surround-sound hidden wall speakers, a large walk-in closet, a comfortable sitting area and a brand new master bath. The new bath features stone floors, walls, and a custom shower with a seat and Basco custom shower door system. The Warmly Yours heated stone floor adds extra comfort for the homeowner. Kitchen and Bath Creations provided custom vanities with sitting area and natural stone tops, Kohler sinks, and Newport Brass faucets. each vanity featured beautiful Robern medicine cabinets. Ozone-safe Bryant Evolution high-efficiency HVAC systems and Puron air conditioners by TEC, Inc. were installed. Pella high-efficiency windows were used on the entire addition. New 40-year roofing was installed for the client to allay any concerns about roofing issues. On the front of the house, existing bricks were salvaged in the removal process and were then filtered in with the new bricks to match the balance of the home. The added garage and driveway areas were dressed up with pavers, and a large tree was moved and replanted in another part of the yard. All of this was done while maintaining an exacting schedule. Once again, Sevvonco completed another happy customer’s home on time!

Company Name:  Shustar Construction Inc. Community: Glen Ellyn Description of Home:  Take the vision of a Certified Aging in-Place Specialist (CAPS)/Certified Graduate Remodelor™ (CGR) and a 20-year-old house and you wind up with a home designed for today’s multi-generational family. Wallpaper was removed from walls and ceilings; the kitchen was gutted; a first floor suite was added; the living room was redesigned as an office, and an updated dining room, powder room and utility room are all part of the vision turned reality. The design ideas for this remodel always focused on ease of use and practicality. The addition of the first floor bedroom and bathroom is for our aging-in-place parents. Planned with universal design, it includes wider doorways, and French doors to a deck. The arched, tiled shower has zero clearance to avoid tripping or having to step up, and has a built-in seat and a hand held shower plus the large shower head. The wider glass door to the shower makes it easy to access. The sink with granite top will easily accommodate a wheelchair or vanity seat. A heated floor is joy for the feet! The new travertine floor in the 2-story foyer is flanked by a redesigned office and an updated dining room. The former living room, now an office, is complete with built-in cabinetry for your office needs, a unique design for the wainscoting, and updated technology to efficiently run a small business. The dining room has a coffered ceiling and wainscotting which provide elegant dining. The kitchen is the heart of any house, and this new kitchen boasts hardwood floors, granite counter tops, under cabinet lights, a 6 burner range top with commercial exhaust hood and stainless steel appliances (double oven with convection feature, warming drawer, microwave, refrigerator, and two drawer dishwasher.) The concept of the island was to incorporate universal design, so a portion of the counter was dropped to table height to accommodate someone sitting to prepare a meal, or for young children to participate in cookie decorating. The island also includes a sink with filtered cold water and 190 degree hot water as well as a disposal. Other key features in the kitchen include a separate coffee area. The microwave was placed in a taller base cabinet to make it more convenient. The 2-drawer dishwasher allows a small load to be done saving water, or both drawers to be used simultaneously. The convenient pull-out drawers below the range are large enough for lots of pots and pans storage. A first floor laundry closet with washer, dryer and storage is conveniently located outside the bedroom and is a backup to the second floor utility closet with stacked washer and dryer.